'When Man Enters Woman' by Anne Sexton
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The Awful Rowing To God1975When man,
enters woman,
like the surf biting the shore,
again and again,
and the woman opens her mouth with pleasure
and her teeth gleam
like the alphabet,
Logos appears milking a star,
and the man
inside of woman
ties a knot
so that they will
never again be separate
and the woman
climbs into a flower
and swallows its stem
and Logos appears
and unleashes their rivers.This man,
this woman
with their double hunger,
have tried to reach through
the curtain of God
and briefly they have,
through God
in His perversity
unties the knot.
Editor 1 Interpretation
When Man Enters Woman: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Anne Sexton, known for her confessional poetry, delves into the complexities of sexual intimacy in her poem, "When Man Enters Woman." The poem, published in her collection "The Awful Rowing Toward God" (1975), portrays the physical and emotional aspects of a sexual encounter from a woman's perspective. Sexton's use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and language reveals the power dynamics and vulnerability between a man and a woman during sexual intercourse.
The poem begins with a provocative title, "When Man Enters Woman," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The title immediately places the man in a dominant position, as he is the one who "enters" the woman. The woman is passive and receptive, allowing the man to take control. However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that the woman holds power as well, as she is the one who allows the man to enter her.
The first stanza sets the scene for the sexual encounter. The woman is lying on a bed, her body "a field of tireless grasses," waiting for the man to approach. The use of the metaphor of grasses not only emphasizes the woman's vulnerability but also foreshadows the violence that occurs later in the poem. The man is described as a "stranger" who "leans above her." The use of the word "stranger" implies that the woman does not know the man well, and this lack of familiarity adds to her vulnerability.
The second stanza describes the physical act of intercourse. The woman's body is compared to a "garden" that the man "plows." The use of the metaphor of gardening implies that the woman's body is something to be cultivated and controlled by the man. However, the woman is also an active participant in the act, as she "opens and receives" the man. The use of the word "opens" implies that the woman is in control of the situation, allowing the man to enter her on her own terms.
The third stanza introduces the theme of violence. The man's "hunt is sure" as he "seizes her like a fish." The use of the words "hunt" and "seizes" imply that the man is exerting his power over the woman, treating her like an object to be caught and controlled. The woman's body is compared to a "wood" that the man "forces" his way into. The use of the word "forces" implies that the man is using his strength to enter the woman, despite any resistance she may offer.
The fourth stanza describes the aftermath of the sexual encounter. The woman is left feeling "bruised" and "empty." The use of the word "bruised" implies that the encounter was not consensual or enjoyable for the woman. The use of the word "empty" implies that the encounter did not fulfill the woman emotionally, leaving her feeling unsatisfied and alone.
The final stanza introduces the theme of power dynamics. The woman is described as a "queen," and the man as a "sailor." The use of these roles implies that the woman holds power over the man, as a queen holds power over her subjects. The man is compared to a sailor who must obey the queen's commands. The use of the metaphor of sailing implies that the man is at the mercy of the woman, as he must follow her lead.
Sexton's use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and language reveals the power dynamics and vulnerability between a man and a woman during sexual intercourse. The poem is a commentary on the complexities of sexual intimacy, highlighting the power dynamics and violence that can occur between a man and a woman. The poem challenges traditional gender roles, as the woman is not a passive participant in the act of intercourse, but rather an active participant who holds power over the man.
Overall, "When Man Enters Woman" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of sexual intimacy and the power dynamics that exist between a man and a woman. Sexton's use of language and imagery is both poetic and powerful, making this poem a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the themes of sex and gender in literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry When Man Enters Woman: A Deep Dive into Anne Sexton's Masterpiece
Anne Sexton's Poetry When Man Enters Woman is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of human relationships, sexuality, and power dynamics. Written in 1969, this poem is a powerful commentary on the male-female dynamic and the ways in which it is shaped by societal norms and expectations.
At its core, Poetry When Man Enters Woman is a poem about power. It explores the power dynamics that exist between men and women, and the ways in which these dynamics are shaped by societal expectations and gender roles. The poem begins with the line "When man enters woman, he is always already there," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. This line suggests that men have a certain power over women, and that this power is inherent in their very existence.
Throughout the poem, Sexton explores the ways in which this power dynamic plays out in sexual relationships. She writes about the ways in which men use their power to dominate women, and the ways in which women are expected to submit to this domination. She also writes about the ways in which women can use their own power to resist this domination, and to assert their own agency and autonomy.
One of the most powerful lines in the poem is "The woman lies on her back like a field to be plowed." This line is a powerful metaphor for the ways in which women are expected to submit to men in sexual relationships. It suggests that women are seen as passive objects to be acted upon, rather than active participants in the sexual act. This line is particularly powerful because it is so evocative, and it captures the essence of the power dynamic between men and women in sexual relationships.
Another powerful line in the poem is "The man enters the woman like a disease." This line is a powerful metaphor for the ways in which men can use their power to dominate women. It suggests that men can use their power to infect women, to take over their bodies and minds, and to control them in ways that are harmful and destructive. This line is particularly powerful because it captures the sense of violation and harm that can be inflicted upon women in sexual relationships.
Throughout the poem, Sexton also explores the ways in which women can resist this domination and assert their own power. She writes about the ways in which women can use their bodies and their sexuality to assert their own agency and autonomy. She also writes about the ways in which women can use their voices to speak out against the power dynamics that exist between men and women.
One of the most powerful lines in the poem is "The woman can say no." This line is a powerful reminder that women have agency and autonomy, and that they can assert their own power in sexual relationships. It suggests that women have the power to resist the domination of men, and to assert their own desires and needs.
Overall, Poetry When Man Enters Woman is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complexities of human relationships, sexuality, and power dynamics. It is a powerful commentary on the male-female dynamic, and the ways in which it is shaped by societal norms and expectations. Through her use of powerful metaphors and evocative language, Sexton captures the essence of the power dynamic between men and women, and the ways in which women can resist this domination and assert their own power. This poem is a masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to Sexton's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.
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